A Raglan-built home was placed on the national stage in December 2025 when Nixon Homes’ Kōtare Grove project at Rangitahi Peninsula claimed the top honour at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year National Awards.
Announced in Christchurch, the Kōtare Grove build won both the National Category Award for New Home $750,000-$1 million and the prestigious National Supreme Award (Under $1 million), recognising it as the best residential project in its class across the country.
The award-winning home, designed for relaxed coastal living, is made up of three pavilion-style buildings linked by covered walkways and decks, creating sheltered outdoor spaces and strong connections to the surrounding landscape. Judges praised the project for its architectural clarity, material honesty and intelligent planning, describing it as “real architecture within a disciplined budget” and a benchmark for what can be achieved under $1 million.
For Raglan, the win highlighted the growing reputation of the Rangitahi Peninsula as a location for high-quality, well-designed homes that respond to the coastal environment, and showcased local building excellence on a national platform.
Nixon Homes Co-Director Mike Holmes said the Kōtare Grove project reflected the type of architectural work the team is passionate about and marked an important milestone for the Waikato-based company.
Co-Director Cameron Holmes said the award was the result of a true team effort, thanking the clients, subcontractors and builders who brought the project to life, and noting how special it was for the whole team to see a Raglan home recognised as one of the best in New Zealand.
The project also took out the National Category Award for New Home $750,000-$1 million, placing it among the very best residential builds in the country. Judges described the home as “confident and finely made,” praising its pavilion-style design, honest material palette and seamless connection to its coastal setting – qualities that reflect the relaxed lifestyle and architectural character Raglan is known for.
